web hosting: UK server
I feel it is important to note that all of my hosting is based on a server in a UK (London) data centre; for the technically minded:
- My server specification is Dual Intel Xeon Processor 3.4GHz with 2MB Cache, 8 GB RAM, Dual 136 GB SCSI Drive (for the operating system), RAID Mirroring (for the operating system), Dual Power Supplies & Dual Gigabit Network Adapters.
- The network operates on industry-leading network equipment from Cisco Systems with all switches and routers developed by Cisco. The network is based on gigabit technology, which means that it runs at a speed of 1000 Mb per second - most web hosting networks are limited to 100 Mb per second - it also utilises 100% CAT6 network cable, which contains four pairs of copper wire and, unlike CAT5, utilises all four pairs. CAT6 supports Gigabit (1000 Mbps) Ethernet and supports communications at more than twice the speed of CAT5e, which is the other popular standard for Gigabit Ethernet cabling.
- The server runs the Redhat Enterprise Linux Platform; Redhat is the leading provider of Linux open source software. For many years now Redhat Linux has been the number one choice for web hosting companies, not just because of Redhat's amazing scalability but also because of its track record as the most stable operating system available in the market today. I use the latest Redhat server technology to allow the server to be continually up to date with Redhat system & security patches. Unlike many competitors I run Redhat Enterprise Linux, the most stable release of Redhat Linux available and the only version that keeps completely up to date with security patches.
- The data centre operates a multi-homed network utilising BGP4 technology. Simply put, I have multiple connections to the Internet with different backbone providers, should any connection fail the other connections automatically take all the traffic. Not only does this mean that it is very unlikely to lose connectivity to the Internet, but it also means that traffic moving to and from the network can choose from a range of paths to get to its final destination. This means that I have been able to configure the network always to take the fastest paths.
Enough of the technical mumbo-jumbo; what's important is that the server is in the UK (so no delays or timeouts crossing the 'pond'), the service is very reliable AND the cost is unbelievable. You can always check the status of my server here: web hosting status (opens in new window); my server is "Web88".